3 replies to this topic

[HUBBA.HUBBA]

I'm having fun (not) trying to sort out my cooper that's still running like a dog. Converted from SPI to carb (secondhand). Was running fine before conversion. Starts up OK and now ticks over OK. Took it for a spin round the block, but engine nearly dies on acceleration. I was getting half compression in chambers 3 & 4 (which also had oil in), so I got the head off changed the valve seals, ground and reseated the valves, changed head gasket. Compression is much better, 8.5ish in 4, 10.5 in 3, 10.5 in 2 and 10.5 in 1. Also put new 1:1.5 rockers on.

On the HIF44 Carb the fuel adjustment screw is all the way in. I'm thinking it could be needing another needle.

Does anyone know what needle I would need for a 1293cc with swiftune SW5-07 cam, MSE4 Calver/mini spares race head and 1:1.5 roller tip rockers or any other ideas?

[Dave33]

if you got it wound right in to get it run,its too lean,you ideally want it about 1.5 to 2.5 turns out.does it help with choke on?a starting point would be a bdl or bdk,compression wise what is psi hot?
what needle in it now?
if too lean (i.e too big)then try filing a flat up one side,with a fine file this will richen up the mixture,dont go overboard though were only talking a tiny amount.the flat will give you an idea of how much has been removed.
float level ok?
recommending a specific needle for a combination of parts is impossible,you can get near,but to fine tune mod your needle to whats needed.
dave

[bmcecosse]

BDL is the 'starting point' needle - take it from there!

[HUBBA.HUBBA]

Thanks for the response guys I'll probably get a BDL then. There does seem to be a shortage of needles at the moment though.